Ford Ka Quiz
Brakes

Hill start assist

In this manual: Brakes
Introduction — 6Quick guide — 3Child safety — 6Seat belts — 5Supplemental restraint system — 7Keys and remote controls — 3MyKey — 4Doors and locks — 3Safety — 3Steering wheel — 4Washer/wipers — 4Lighting — 6Windows and mirrors — 3Instrument cluster — 4Information display — 4Climate control system — 6Seats — 8Auxiliary Power Outlets — 1Storage Compartments — 1Starting the engine — 7Fuel and refuelling — 7Transmission — 1Brakes — 4Traction control — 1Stability control — 1Ultrasonic parking system — 3Cruise Control — 1Driver assistance — 4Carrying a load — 3Towing — 8Driving tips — 5Emergency equipment — 6Fuses — 4Maintenance — 22Vehicle Maintenance — 6Wheels and Tyres — 14Technical specifications — 7Audio system — 18SYNC — 12Appendices — 3
4steps
~24min
2/5difficulty
Done 0 of 4

DANGER

The system does not replace the parking brake. Always apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle.

Remain inside the vehicle after activating the system.

When the system is active, the driver is responsible for controlling the vehicle and monitoring the system, and must intervene appropriately if necessary.

If the engine speed is increased, or if a malfunction is detected while the system is active, the system will switch off.

The system makes it easier to start on a hill without having to use the parking brake.

When the system is active, the vehicle stays stationary on an uphill slope for two or three seconds after the brake pedal is released. This allows you to move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal. The brakes are released automatically once the engine has developed enough drive torque to prevent the vehicle from rolling down the slope in an uncontrolled manner. This is an advantage when starting on a gradient (for example, on a car park ramp, at traffic lights, or when reversing uphill into a parking space).

The system activates automatically on uphill slopes to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards.

Using the hill start assist system

  1. Press the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Keep the brake pedal pressed while the vehicle is moving.
  2. If the sensors detect that the vehicle is on an uphill road, the system activates automatically.
  3. When the brake pedal is released, the vehicle stays stationary on an uphill slope for about two or three seconds without rolling backwards.
  4. Start normally. The brakes will be released automatically.

Test yourself

A quick Ford Ka quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.